The Handmaiden
A Tale of Desire, Deception, and Defiance The Handmaiden (2016) by Park Chan-wook explores the thematic intricacies of seduction, betrayal, and empowerment. The film adapts Sarah Waters’ novel Fingersmith, moving the setting from Victorian England to Korea in the 1930s during Japanese colonial rule. The story introduces Sook-hee, an intelligent pickpocket recruited to take on […]
High Society 2018
A Study of South Korea’s Social Landscape High Society (2018) directed by Byun Hyuk, tells the story of Jang Tae-joon (Park Hae-il) a university instructor who aspires to a political career, and his wife, Oh Soo-yeon (Soo Ae), a deputy curator at an art gallery. Together, they try to climb the social ladder and, in […]
American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rules
Modern Perspective on a Classic Franchise American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rules brought a much-needed breather to the American Pie franchise. Unlike the previous films which focused on male characters, this spin-off tale centers around the lives of 4 girls in high school as they tackle the challenges of friendship, romance, and personal development. The girls, […]
Empire of Lust
The Pre-Release Buzz: A Historical Drama with a Twist Empire of Lust is announced in early 2015, and buzz began with both fans of Korean cinema and historical drama enthusiasts. The film promised a portrayal of the power struggles within and the early Joseon dynasty, focusing on the internal conflicts of King Taejo’s court. Still, […]
American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile
Revisiting the Chaos of College Days American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile (2006) is another American Pie spin off, bringing the series silly teenage antics to another generation. The film follows Erik Stifler (John White), cousin of the original Stifler clan, during his senior year of high school, romance, and of course, the notorious ‘Naked […]
The Taste of Money
A Glimpse into the World of the Elite The 2012 film The Taste of Money, directed by Im Sang-soo, critically explores the lives of the upper class in South Korea. The film focuses on the Yoon family, a multi-billion South Korean conglomerate, power structures within the family, as well as the complex relationships that the […]
Serve the People
The Film That Stirred a Nation Serve the People (인민을 위해 복무하라), which premiered in February 2022, became a cultural sensation almost immediately after its release. It was directed by Jang Cheol-soo and takes place in a fictional socialist country akin to 1970s North Korea. It centers on Mu-gwang (Yeon Woo-jin), a soldier who is […]
Case 39
A Dark Tale of Protection and Terror Christian Alvart’s 2009 film, Case 39, is a particularly arresting psychological horror film. The plot follows the social worker, Emily Jenkins (Renée Zellweger), and her attempts to rescue young Lillith Sullivan (Jodelle Ferland), from her abusive parents. What ought to be a simple social work case escalates and […]
Parthenope
The Story That Left Viewers Talking Upon its theatrical release, Parthenope enthralled its viewers with its complex storyline. Set in a small coastal town, the film centers on the puzzling figure of Elena (Sofia Ricci), a woman whose peculiar history is entangled with a cluster of mysterious disappearances. As the film develops, it slowly reveals […]
Lucy
The Sci-Fi Action That Changed Careers When Luc Besson’s 2014 film Lucy came out, it was not just another action science fiction movie. It became another turning point for its cast member, particularly Scarlett Johansson. Lucy follows the story of a drug mule played by Johansson, who acquires advanced intelligence, abilities, and a dramatic change […]